Storage Checklist

  1. Place the items you'll need most often at the front of the unit. Be sure not to cover them with other less important boxes
  2. When you pack your storage unit, create one or two center aisles for easy access to all items. This way you can stack items along each side and the back, and maybe even one row down the center, and still get into your unit and reach all your boxes and items safely and easily.
  3. Mattresses should be covered and stored flat on level surfaces or stood upright to save space
  4. Pack blankets, draperies and dress clothes on hangers in a wardrobe box to keep them free of wrinkles and easy to access
  5. Use protective covers and treat wood surfaces before placing in storage.
  6. If you're storing tables and other furniture, remove legs and wrap them together. Then store tabletops and sofas on end to save space. You can lean them against one of the storage unit walls.
  7. Whenever possible, place dressers and tables top-to-top to save space. Be sure to place a protective blanket or cover between furniture if you stack it to prevent scratching and damage to the surfaces.
  8. Always use temperature controlled storage units for humidity sensitive items. Over time, items like wood furniture and electronics can become warped and damaged with excessive temperature swings.
  9. Old photographs tend to curl over time. To keep them flat, place them between two pieces of cardboard and tape them together. Keep in mind that excessive heat can cause photos to melt, so a temperature controlled unit may be the best option to keep them safe.
  10. To prevent rust when storing metal items, wipe all metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil. If you are storing these items for extended periods of time, you may want to repeat once per year.
  11. Use trash cans to store shovels, hoes and rakes. These items are awkward and hard to pack. Using this method will keep them organized and keep you safe when handling them.
  12. Drain gasoline and oil from lawn mowers and other items with small engines.
  13. Common sense and state law determines what may be stored. Therefore, never store firearms, illicit drugs or drug paraphernalia, live animals, perishables, liquids, explosives, flammable liquids and fuels, toxic materials or other items that need a controlled environment. That also means you cannot sleep in the storage unit at any time.
  14. Now is the time to clean house! You can give some of your belongings away to friends and family (or donate items to charity) rather than putting them into storage
  15. Always use high quality locks on your unit. We recommend Disc Locks for your protection, as they are harder to cut or break. They can purchased in the retail shop inside the Moove In Self Storage rental office.

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